more than 20 kph under the posted speed limit with the exception of cyclists who are in actuality doing 70 to 80 kph less on a 100 kph speed zone. There is also the concern of the cyclist being passed by road trains or any trucks that are doing the speed limit. There have been incidences of the cyclist’s being hit by backdraft and if the road is not wide enough to accommodate all vehicles are the trucks expected to come to a stop for the cyclist if the cyclist won’t stop themselves? When a fully laden road train is travelling the speed limit on a main road and encounters a situation where slowing down by up to 80 kph without warning, when there is oncoming traffic and no room to move and often other trucks behind as well – it is a recipe for disaster for all concerned. Most agree that cyclists have their place in towns and cities – particularly where infrastructure supports them. However you will be hard pressed to find anyone in the transport industry who thinks that they have a place on highways and main roads where any heavy vehicles or road trains are operating - as it is just far too dangerous for everyone. It is fine for cyclists to demand their right to ride where they want but surely they have a responsibility, particularly if they are travelling alone without any escorts or support vehicles that can alert other road users of their presence. Night time, driving into the sun, the cyclist is often in dark clothing, no safety gear (not that that would make a difference in the case of an accident with a truck), often no mirrors… Actions have consequences and the chain reaction can be life changing or life destroying for not only the cyclist but anyone else involved. As one WA transport operator said, “What about the truck driver, who is just doing their job - a professional driver, earning his living on the road. What happens to him when the unthinkable happens?” “He's charged by the police, loses his licence - which means that he's lost his job, income and the only means of supporting his wife and family. He is often sent to jail for many years and often falsely judged by the public as a dangerous driver who just mowed down an ‘innocent cyclist’. “He has to live with the fact that a human went under his truck, even though he did everything in his power to avoid the inevitable and if he comes out the other side without PTSD and is able to get behind the wheel again - it is a miracle.”
This is the problem. The transport industry is painted in a bad light and only governments can change this by either building roads to accommodate ‘all’ traffic safely or changing legislation for the sake of cyclist’s safety. Suggestions made by the transport industry to solve this life threatening problem include eliminating cyclists from main roads and highways or any roads with speed limits above 60 kph. Failing that, the government should introduce legislation that requires cyclists
Lone cyclists are not the only at risk. The transport industry also has to contend with events such as the Indian Pacfic Wheel Race. Wayne Bradshaw, CEO WA’s peak body for cycling –WestCycle says events such as the Indian Pacific Wheel Race are putting cyclists at risk and his body would caution riders of participating in them. "Where riders are required to stay on the road for extended periods of time at all hours of the day and night under fatigued situations, it would seem that there is a
Actions have consequences and the chain reaction can be life changing or life destroying for not only the cyclist but anyone else involved to obtain a permit and they must use escorts when travelling these roads. It has also been suggested that cyclists should be registered, as are all other road users which would help pay for the infrastructure needed for them and that they should display a government issued ID plate so they can be identified for any behaviour that would put themselves and other motorists in danger.
significantly increased risk associated with those rides," Mr Bradshaw said. As for independent journeys, like the one undertaken by the young man who lost his life, he said safety precautions for cyclists and drivers were vital. "If they are going to do them, be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions like visibility and potentially moving off the road as trucks pass," he said.
Resources jobs and sales continue to break records in WA
W
estern Australia’s resources sector continued to break records in 2020 with sales of $174 billion. Statistics released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety show iron ore leads the way with record sales of $116 billion on the back of the highest prices since 2011. Gold was another strong performer with more than $17 billion in sales, an all-time high, as was the average price of around $2,500 per ounce. Nickel sales increased to $3.3 billion, which is the highest value in six years. Employment in the resources sector was a star performer, with an average of 140,940 people representing yet
another record. More than $20 billion was invested in the WA mining and petroleum sector, up from $17 billion in 2019. This represents the highest level since 2017. Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said, “Western Australia and its resources sector have successfully navigated the pandemic to deliver these impressive figures. “It was especially pleasing to see exploration expenditure and employment continue to strengthen given the important role the sector plays in finding the next big resource discovery. “With around $140 billion of resource projects in the pipeline, Western Australia's future continues to look promising.”
WATM • May 2021
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